The set features 14 previously unreleased tracks (15 if you count the quick intro chat to the alternate take of “It’s Yourself”). All of the tracks have been newly remastered, many from the original session masters. However, after many searches of the EMI UK/Abbey Road and Capitol USA archives, it was discovered that some of those session masters did not survive. In those instances, the original Capitol edited masters were used. Have no fear, regardless of the source materials they all sound better than ever, having been remastered at “96kHz/24bit hi-definition sound.”

The details of the set are provided at The Judy Garland Online Discography. The set is packaged in a sturdy hardbound “digi-book” (similar to the “book” style of recent Warner Home Video DVDs like A Star is Born and the upcoming Meet Me In St. Louis), housing the two discs in sleeves and the liner notes by the set’s producer Jonathan Summers with an “afterword” by John Fricke. The booklet also features a nice smattering of photos and album cover art.

The big news for fans is the inclusion of the alternate takes. Most notably, the previously unknown “Please Say ‘Ah’!” This demo was recorded by Judy and music supervisor Saul Chaplin for possible use in Judy’s final film I Could Go On Singing. The intent was to have co-star Dirk Bogarde eventually supplant Chaplin’s vocals. That never happened, but this demo survives. Summers’ liner notes give a nice account of the history of this previously unknown song. At just under five minutes it’s longer than expected and completely charming. It’s a breezy lark that both Judy and Saul are obviously enjoying. You’ll enjoy it too!

This is a definite “must have” for all Garland fans. It goes without saying that it would make a great holiday gift.

Comments

I think it should be noted that the notes in the new release state that Judy recorded the so-called “London Sessions” on August 2-9, 1960. According to previously published information, Judy did not record on August 9. If you look at the master numbers for all of the sessions at that time, it is clear that she recorded on August 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8. In the First Hand brochure, it is listed that she recorded “Stormy Weather,” the medley Judy at the Palace, “It’s a Great Day for the Irish,” the OLIO medley, and “Over the Rainbow” on August 9. Even though, according to the brochure, First Hand found documentation during their research for this release to the effect that Judy recorded on August 9, according to the master numbers of the songs they claim she recorded on August 9 they could not have been recorded on that date. Perhaps further work was done on August 9, but it is far from sure Judy recorded anything on that date. Who knows? Why not imagine a simple mistake made at the time whereby the production people misdated the logs? Work on the session could have been completed on the 9th, but it would seem Judy could not have recorded on that day. It would be useful if Jonathan Summers of First Hand could kindly explain more specifically what documentation he is basing his recording dates for 1960. Below is a listing of the dates and master numbers:

August 2, 1960
34437 Chicago
34438 Do It Again
34439 Lucky Day
34440 Stormy Weather

August 3, 1960
34441 I Happen To Like New York
34442 Swanee
34443 You’ll Never Walk Alone
34444 Why Was I Born?

August 4, 1960
34445 The Man That Got Away
34446 Come Rain or Come Shine
34447 San Francisco
34448 Over the Rainbow

August 5, 1960
34449 Medley: You Made Me Love You/For Me and My Gal/The Trolley Song
34450 You Got To My Head
34451 Happiness is a Thing Called Joe
34452 Rock-a-Bye Your Baby (with a Dixie Melody)

August 8, 1960
34453 Medley: Judy at the Palace
34454 I Can’t Give You Anything But Love
34455 After You’ve Gone
34456 It’s a Great Day for the Irish